Ahead of Iron Fist, here's an overview of the Netflix / Marvel universe

Netflix and Marvel's latest collaboration Iron Fist will be released on the streaming platform from tomorrow. It's the sixth MCU TV series and the fourth in partnership with Netflix. The show will be centred on the character of Danny Rand / Iron Fist who returns to New York City after being presumed dead for 15 years.

It can be hard to keep track, so here's a quick overview of where we are in the Netflix / Marvel universe and how the shows fit together.

Daredevil, Season 1
Release: 10 April 2015

Ben Affleck's 2003 take on Daredevil failed to launch a franchise, but this small screen version was far more successful. Viewers were introduced to the character of Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer who fights crime in his neighbourhood of Hell's Kitchen at night. Daredevil also introduced nurse Claire Temple, played by Rosario Dawson, who has appeared in every Netflix / Marvel show to date.

Jessica Jones, Season 1
Release: 20 November 2015

Jessica Jones is also set in the neighbourhood of Hell's Kitchen. It seems strange that Daredevil and Jessica never ran into each other during their night time patrols, but the former character is not directly mentioned in the series. However, Luke Cage has a small role - he and Jessica have a brief relationship and some of his backstory is revealed. The characters of Jeri Hogarth (Carrie-Ann Moss) and Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) make their first appearances; they both reoccur throughout the Marvel / Netflix universe.

Daredevil, Season 2
Release: 18 March 2016

Daredevil Season 2 continues to follow Daredevil and his attempts to clean up Hell's Kitchen. The Punisher and Elektra are both introduced for the first time; The Punisher will get his own series later this year.

Luke Cage, Season 1
Release: 30 September 2016

Luke Cage moves the action from Hell's Kitchen to Harlem and is set a few months after the action of Jessica Jones. Luke is still trying to rebuild his life, and move on from the death of his wife. He gets caught up in the Harlem underworld, including gangster Cottonmouth played by Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. Both Claire Temple and Trish Walker make appearances in the show. While Jessica is referenced in the show, she does not feature.

Iron Fist, Season 1
Release: 17 March 2017

As mentioned above Iron Fist follows Danny Rand as he returns to New York after being presumed dead for 15 years. The character is a Buddhist monk, and trained in various martial arts including Kung Fu. Through his training he has gained the power of the Iron Fist, hence his name. Both Trish Walker and Jeri Hogarth will appear.

The Defenders, Season 1
Release: Mid 2017

In the comic book world, The Defenders are a superhero group with an ever changing membership. Within the Netflix world it will see the previously introduced characters of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist all team up. It will take place a few months after Daredevil Season 2 / Luke Cage Season 1 but there's no word yet on what will bring them together, or who the will be teaming up against. This show is set for a mid-2017, possibly summer, release.

The Punisher, Season 1
Release: Late 2017

After making his first appearance in Daredevil , The Punisher will be getting his own Netflix series. Not much is known about the series, but given the nature of the character it is likely to be more violent than then the previous shows. Deborah Ann Woll will reprise her role as Karen Page, having previously appeared in Daredevil.

Daredevil, Season 3
Jessica Jones, Season 2
Luke Cage, Season 2

Once The Defenders season 1 is out of the way, Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage will all return to their own solo adventures. No release dates have been announced yet, but expect at least one of these shows to appear in 2018.